10 Causes of Kidney Stones

By albert

Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky

Article Sources

Medical Expert

More About Us

Kidney stones form when minerals or acids crystallize and stick together, forming a mass within the kidneys or another part of the urinary system. There are several different types of kidney stones depending on how they are formed and the materials that constitute them. Common types of kidney stones include calcium stones, uric acid stones, struvite stones, and cystine stones.

Small kidney stones usually show no symptoms as they form. In fact, a person may excrete them in urine without being aware of it. However, when kidney stones are large enough, they can cause extreme pain comparable to childbirth and appendicitis. People are more likely to develop kidney stones if someone in their family has had them. In total, kidney stones affect one-tenth of the population at some point in life.

Cause #1: Poor Hydration

Poor hydration is one of the commonest causes of kidney stones. The crystallization process that forms kidney stones is more likely to occur if the body suffers from chronic low hydration. Poor hydration can be the result of inadequate water intake or excessive sweating during physical activity.

Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day can keep the body hydrated and thus reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. If a person sweats too much for any reason, exercises intensely, or carries out physical activity over long periods of time, he or she should make an effort to sip water throughout the day.